Chislehurst

Part of the Greater London borough of Bromley, England; population (2001) 14,700. A extensive system of subterranean caves is found here. The origin of the caves is uncertain, but they are believed to be ancient storehouses and hiding-places. The caves were used for shelter from air-raids during World War II.

The exiled French emperor Napoleon III died in 1873 at Camden Place, to the west of the common; the Empress Eugénie lived here for some years with the Prince Imperial, in whose memory a cross was erected on the common. The church of St Nicholas dates from the 15th century.